I remember the first time I hit the brake with my left foot and put my passengers head into the windshield like it was yesterday! I was in my teens and it made a lasting impression on me. If you have done this, I’m sure you can recall the feeling as well. Scary, jolting…you get the picture. My lesson was don’t drive with my left foot.

I also remember the first time I was a passenger and the driver was actually using both feet to drive an automatic transmission car. Their left foot would constantly hover over the brake in a state of fear and sometimes they would apply pressure to the brake at the same time they were pushing the gas pedal. The engine would rev and be ready to go yet the brakes were holding the car back. As a rider, you could feel the constant constraint of being held back.

This is an extreme version of “proceed with caution.” As I’ve grown I continue to notice we create this same scenario in our lives. We start working towards a goal then fear steps in and we find a way to slow ourselves down. We create the tension and begin to hold back. For example, if we want to have a conversation to resolve a difference with our boss or spouse, we may prepare, get time to talk arranged and then we hold back on saying what’s on our mind. When we do muster up the ability to take our foot off the brake and speak, our voice is shaky and full of trepidation leaving the receiver of our message a bit leery.

Now we have a cautious speaker and leery listener….I don’t’ know about you but that generates a level of anxiety within me just thinking about it! Let’s find a new way to drive with a clear decision on when to go and when to wait. Sound good?

The one thing that would help a driver to stop using both feet is an increased level of confidence in their ability to apply the brakes appropriately and with accurate timing. The only way to gain confidence is to practice letting go and leaving their left foot on the floorboard of the car for longer periods of time each time they drive.

Where are you driving with both feet in your life? Imagine what it would feel like to navigate that area with more confidence and ease…How would your life be different if you were able to do this? Reply to me and let me know!

Are you ready to practice keeping your left foot off the brake? If so, what tiny step could you take to build your confidence in the area where you’ve been holding back? Breathe and remember small steps added together create marathons! Build your confidence one step at a time.

Invite a friend to join you in your journey. My guess is they too have an area where they would like to feel more confident. Reply and let me know what you decide to pursue.

I was recently chosen to contribute to an article: 11 Ways to Rectify A Hiring Mistake

Tip #10: Learn from the experience

Remember, there’s no shame when a job isn’t a good fit for someone. It doesn’t mean they’re faulty or broken. It simply means the two pieces of the puzzle don’t go smoothly together. Learn from the experience and ask yourself, “What can I do differently to create a better result next time?” – Kris McCrea, PCC, McCreaCoaching.com